Safety & Scams

Is Cambodia Safe?

Yes, Cambodia is generally safe for tourists. Most visitors have trouble-free trips. However, like any destination, awareness is key.

The scam compound stories in international media primarily involve human trafficking operations in Sihanoukville and Poipet — they do not target tourists visiting temples and beaches. That said, petty crime and tourist scams do exist.

Enforcement has stepped up sharply. Cambodian authorities have run large-scale raids and arrests, and in October 2025 the US and UK jointly designated the Prince Group a transnational criminal organisation, with a further round of US sanctions in June 2026 targeting nine individuals and 26 entities. The problem is real and far from solved — but it is an organised-crime and forced-labour story, not a tourist-safety one. As a regular visitor staying in mainstream travel areas — Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, Kep, Kampot — you are extremely unlikely to encounter anything related to these compounds.

The one thing that does target travellers: job offers

The recruitment pipeline for these compounds runs through fake job adverts, and young travellers in the region are a target.

• Be extremely wary of "easy work, high pay" offers — customer service, crypto, online marketing, casino work — advertised on Telegram, Facebook, or by someone you meet on the road
• Never hand over your passport to an employer, and never travel to a job interview at an unknown address near Sihanoukville, Poipet, or Bavet
• Victims are typically lured in voluntarily, then have their passports taken and their movement restricted
• If a friend stops responding after taking a job like this, contact your embassy immediately

Thai Border Areas

Do not plan overland travel to or from Thailand. All seven Thai land crossings closed on 23 June 2025 after armed clashes, including artillery and airstrikes, along the disputed border. A ceasefire was signed on 27 December 2025, but the situation remains tense and the crossings are still suspended.

• The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel within 20 km of the land border with Thailand
• The US State Department rates Cambodia Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) overall, but the Thai border strip Level 4 — Do Not Travel
• Border temples including Preah Vihear, Ta Krabey, and Ta Muen Thom are closed to visitors
• Unexploded ordnance and landmines are a documented hazard in the border area

None of this affects Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, the coast, or the islands, which are far from the affected zone. Check your own government's current travel advice before you book — the links at the bottom of this page go straight to the US and UK advisories.

Common Tourist Scams

Transport Scams

• Inflated tuk-tuk prices: Drivers at tourist spots quote 3-5x the normal rate
• "Meter is broken": Use ride-hailing apps (PassApp, Grab) to avoid this entirely
• Long route: Drivers taking roundabout routes. Use Google Maps to track your ride

Street Scams

• Card games: "Come play a friendly game" — it's rigged, you'll lose money
• Fake charities: Children selling bracelets "for their school." The money goes to an adult organizer
• Sob stories: Elaborate stories asking for money. Be polite but firm

Border Crossing Scams

• Unofficial fees: Officers asking for extra "processing" or "health check" fees beyond the official $30 visa
• Currency tricks: Giving change in riel at a bad exchange rate

Safety Tips

• Bag snatching is the most common crime in Phnom Penh. Wear bags on the side away from the road
• Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in poorly lit areas
• Don't flash expensive items — phones, cameras, jewelry
• Sihanoukville: Exercise extra caution. The city has changed significantly due to rapid development
• Landmines: Rural and forested areas, especially near the Thai border, still have unexploded ordnance. Never leave marked paths in rural areas

Emergency Numbers

Note: Emergency response times vary significantly outside Phnom Penh.

ATM Safety

• Use ATMs inside banks or malls, not standalone street ATMs
• Cover the keypad when entering your PIN
• Skimming devices have been reported — check for loose card slots
• Avoid withdrawing large amounts at night